Athletic Bilbao came back from being a goal down to defeat the defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Thursday (January 13) and set up a Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid. A 77th-minute header from Yeray Alvarez turned out to be an important equaliser before Nico Williams hit the winner nine minutes from time, finding the net from a corner by Bilbao captain Iker Munian.
Nico's celebration
In the stands at the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia, William’s relatives also embraced each other, unable to hold back tears. Nico Williams and his big brother quickly went toward the stands to meet them after the final whistle.
"I went to meet my mom, she was very moved, and I was as well," said the19-year-old Nico after the match, who lined up for the match alongside his elder brother Inaki Williams.
"She said I deserved it, told me to keep working hard. The hug with my brother was unforgettable for both of us. We had always dreamed about this moment." He added.
Atletico score first goal
Atletico took the lead after Joao Félix's header from a corner kick hit the post and bounced off the back of Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon and just crossed the line.
Athletic came close to equalising two minutes later when Alvarez's close-range header was stopped at the goal line by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The defender didn't miss to convert his second attempt, sending the ball into the corner and away from the Atletico goalkeeper.
Atletico started the season well but has struggled recently in La Liga. The defending champions have lost four of its last six Spanish league games and are presently 16 points behind league leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand. Atletico qualified for the Super Cup as the Spanish champions, while Athletic made it as the Copa del Rey runner-up. Interestingly, Bilbao had lost last year's final to Barcelona.
The Basque Country club will play Sunday's decider against Real Madrid, which defeated Barcelona 3-2 in extra time, on Wednesday (January 12).
Fans would have hoped for a ‘Madrid derby’ in the finals but their hopes were crushed with Atletico’s defeat.